I love the festive season! The lights, the decorations, the tree, the family gatherings and endless supply of Christmas day leftovers. But why do we celebrate?

Why do we pause to cherish those closest to us? Why do we take holidays and spend hundreds on gifts? Because at the very centre of Christmas is the greatest gift ever given, and if accepted the greatest love ever known.

Christmas is SO MUCH more than presents, it’s about His presence being made available to us through the birth of His Son, JESUS.

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Have you ever paid attention to the lyrics of most Christmas carols? Why not take a moment to meditate on the magnitude and meaning wrapped up in these familiar verses.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’ angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Tis the season, but He truly is the reason

Maybe to you, Jesus is simply a historical figure, a man of moral high standards, or even a fake.

Maybe you’ve been in Church before and your experience has left you bitter and disappointed.

Maybe you think being a Christian means obeying a bunch of boring rules.

Or Maybe the thought of being labelled “religious” makes your stomach turn.

May I simply tell you who Jesus is to me (and millions more around the world). Jesus is hope. Jesus is peace. Jesus is love.

He is not rules or religion or some guy we can only please by being perfect. He is kind, accepting and gentle. He is never judgemental, harsh or mean. He loves you unconditionally and changes people from the inside out, not the other way around. He sees past your flaws and failures, and utters with complete sincerity, “I love you.” Wherever you find yourself today, know this. Jesus loves you. He died for you and invites you to walk everyday with Him!

Real Christianity is about Christ and his love for us, not the other way around

No matter how hard we try we can never earn God’s love. There’s nothing we do to deserve it, and nothing we do will ever make us lose it. So this Christmas, may I I humbly offer you another gift? The gift of knowing Jesus personally. The gift of hope, joy and peace? If you would like to you can pray this prayer.

“Dear God, thank you that you know me. That you’ve known me from the beginning and you’ve loved me. I acknowledge my need for you. I have sinned and I need a Saviour. Jesus I believe you are God’s own Son and you died to pay the price for my sin and gave me eternal life. Then 3 days later You rose to life again to give me victory. I receive your forgiveness for my sin and ask you to come into my heart. Wash me clean and give me a new start. In Jesus name amen.”

If you have a Christian friend of know of a Church near you may I encourage you to a reach out to them or attend a service near you? I can guarantee you one thing, if you sincerely ask God to show Himself to you, he will not decline the invitation.